Marr Rugby round-up: Two wins from two, 1s topple league leaders and 2s continue to be rampant - albeit Jed-Forest’s electric blue charge almost upsets the purple and gold hue at Fullarton

See 1st XV match photos courtesy of Clive Watkins here

Marr Rugby 1st XV match summary: Marr Rugby’s 1s knew that they were in for a tough encounter meeting previously unbeaten Jed-Forest, a side including some skilful and quicksilver who are amongst the best in club rugby in Scotland. Included amongst their ranks are the Young brothers, two of whom have in recent times regularly starred for Scotland on the international 7s circuit and up and coming Robbie Yourstan. His performance in kicking and game management at stand-off showed maturity beyond his years and posed some major questions for Marr’s defence. Marr Rugby’s supporters know that the Young brothers pose a significant tactical threat in defence and attack. During the eighty minutes they gave a masterclass in both. Marr’s players needed to excel to counter the risk and make sure that first up tackles counted and when needed defensive support was close and sound.

In the opening ten minutes of the match Marr started brightly and showed some early promise in forward possession, providing a good attacking platform for the backs movement. Equally, Jed-Forrest demonstrated they were no slouches in defence, with a rush defensive pattern that was effective. On six minutes Marr secured a significant advantage as Jed-Forest’s Jack Sudlow up-ended Tom Steven in a tip tackle. An automatic red followed. More Marr pressure followed but strong defence restricted the benefit to a successful penalty kick.

Jed-Forest amplified their starting intent as the remaining fourteen players played as though they had the extra man. There were blue shirts everywhere and they harried Marr relentlessly. Jed’s captain Gregor Young led by example in attack and defence and set a benchmark standard for commitment, performance and play. At the breakdown Jed shone at winning turnover ball that they used to good effect with quickly worked up counter-attacks. An equalising penalty conversion followed. The match swung top and fro. A Ben Johnston break was disrupted by a penalty infringement and Colin Sturgeon (sponsored by Bricktrain Ltd) slotted home the important points.

Up to the half hour mark Marr enjoyed a period of possession and territory but found the blue wall unyielding. About this time Jed-Forest’s patience and persistence was rewarded as they won good field position near to Marr’s line. After a series of pick and goes their giant prop Paulo Ferreria made things look to easy as he was fed the ball at a canter and breenged over to score. From the restart Jed got into another good attacking position and won a penalty that was converted to stretch the lead at half-time to seven points.

In the second half’s opening plays Jed added an early three points. On fifty minutes cracks finally started to appear in Jed’s play as Marr continued to exert relentless pressure and try to exploit the player advantage. Under pressure Jed’s error rate started to mount and Marr gained a further tactical advantage as Jed lost a further player to a yellow card. Marr launched another series of attacks and were rewarded with a try from Tom Steven, converted by Colin Sturgeon. This closed the gap to three points. As play entered the final quarter Marr regained the lead after a Fraser Grant try with Sturgeon adding the conversion.

Jed never gave up and reduced the lead to a single point following a successful penalty converted by Yourston. The final ten minutes was frenzied as Marr tried to extend their lead and close off the match. Errors crept in to spoil good attacking options or these were frustrated by good defensive play, albeit at times Jed seemed content to concede penalties to break any attempt by Marr to get into a decent rhythm and pattern of attacking phases. Colin Sturgeon added two penalty conversions. Indiscipline in Jed’s ranks saw them lose another player to a yellow card and close the match with only thirteen players. In the final plays Jed threw everything into attack as they pressed for a score that potentially would tie the match. As Marr’s supporters grew nervous on the touchline Marr’s players were patient and careful in defence. Eventually they won turnover ball and were able to clear their lines and close the match.

For Marr it was a hard fought win against a side that delivered an exemplary display against the odds. Jed’s performance earned what might be a crucial losing bonus point.

Although Marr leapfrogged Jed results elsewhere saw Edinburgh Accies secure a bonus point win to jump ahead of both clubs and take the league lead with Marr in second place a single point behind.

1st XV Man of the match: Conor Bickerstaff (sponsored by CCL Logistics)

1st XV Scorers
Tries: Tom Steven and Fraser Grant
Conversions: Colin Sturgeon (2)
Penalties: Colin Sturgeon (4)

Marr Rugby 2nd XV summary: Marr Rugby’s 2nd XV’s top of the table clash against GHK was much awaited by both sides. Each entered the match as unbeaten. With GHK holding home advantage Marr knew they needed to get off to a good start and they delivered with some early well worked tries.

Marr played with intensity and pace in everything that they did that meant that they were one step ahead, almost literally, of the home XV all day. By half time Marr had opened up a three try lead with no reply from the home side.

Marr’s pack was in dominant form in set piece and loose play. Playing scrum half Rudi Marshall delivered a meticulous kicking display and his energy around the breakdown and speedy service to standoff Jack Scott allowed Marr’s backs to capitalise on the space provided. The result saw Marr stretch their run to nine matches unbeaten and open a clear lead in the league. Although there is still a long way to go the early signs are promising .

2nd XV man of match: Rudi Marshall (sponsored by Marshall Transport)

2nd XV scorers
Tries: Murray Beckwith (2); Grant Clark; Jack Scott; Danny Clark and Ali Walker
Conversions: Rudi Marshall (6)
Penalties: Rudi Marshall (1)

Marr Rugby next fixtures (5 November 2016)
1s – Away v Musselburgh (league, k.o. 2pm)
2s – Home v Dalziel (league, k.o. 2pm)